I (DJ AJ9) first met Sarah in person just minutes before her wedding ceremony on September 15th, 2012 (!!!) hosted by the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake. Something New Entertainment — me, specifically — had been hired to serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the event, as well as providing Disc Jockey services, full-room uplighting design in a warm candlelight amber gold, and a custom lighted monogram designed to match the couple’s stationery. This isn’t the “usual” timeline for an in-person meeting with your Master of Ceremonies at Something New Entertainment (which typically involves planning over several months usually with several planning meetings and phone calls), but — with Sarah living in Las Vegas, Nevada during her wedding planning — it would have to do!

Sarah’s mom, Lisa, was referred by another DJ who was booked for Sarah and Michael’s date when Lisa called. We met for coffee and chit-chatted, and I couldn’t believe how much we had in common. Lisa is an art teacher, as is my own mother, and as was I, in my former life, before I found a more specific calling as a special events entertainer.

To bridge the geographical gap, Sarah and I had our (usually-in-person) planning meetings over the phone. But — with a three-hour time difference, as well, it’s times like these, that I’m so glad that our out-of-town clients have access to the online planning system 24/7, no matter where they are!!!

After all that planning, she was a surely sight for sore eyes (!), and — after all that planning, their hard work definitely paid off with a beautiful wedding and reception. Here’s a short-and-sweet overview of Sarah and Mike’s beautiful wedding hosted by the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake.

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The Breathtaking Waterside Gazebo at the Lodge at Geneva on the Lake Set for Sarah and Michael’s Wedding Ceremony. Photo by Heather Martello of Martello Photography.

The Setting:

Beautiful Lake Erie provided a natural backdrop for this picturesque waterside ceremony held in the Lodge’s outdoor gazebo overlooking the best vantage. Even bare of decorations or adornments, this setting is breathtaking, and Sarah and Mike kept their personal touches simple and elegant to accent the existing beauty of this view.

The Ceremony:

Sarah and Mike were married in a brief but touching ceremony that included many personalized details. In fact — the day began with so many lovely details, it’s difficult to choose just a few great photos from Heather Martello of Martello Photography to share with you!

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Sarah and Michael’s Lakeside Ceremony in the Gazebo at the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake. Photos by Heather Martello of Martello Photography.

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The processional included not only a flower girl and a ring bearer but two adorable young pages, as well. These little ones came bearing news of the upcoming arrival: painted plaques reading “Here Comes” and “The Bride!”

Instead of a more traditional Unity Candle lighting, Sarah and Michael opted to include a Sand Ceremony. If you’re not familiar with this modern twist on this symbolic union of families (which is growing in popularity), a Sand Ceremony is usually very similar to a Unity Candle lighting, but families contribute contrasting colored sand instead of flame so that the couple can create a unique piece of keepsake sand art through pouring. Because of the wind-flame factor, this is an especially great alternative to a traditional Unity Candle lighting for an outdoor wedding ceremony, particularly one held next to the water without trees or other view- and wind-obstructing structures to shield the flames.

Sarah and Michael ended their Wedding Ceremony with a bubble-filled Recessional.